Two Brooksby College Leicester Tigers ACE Students Selected for England Rugby Training Camps Ahead of Under-20 Six Nations

Two Leicester Tigers ACE Programme students from Brooksby College have been selected for England Rugby’s elite development and selection camps as preparations begin for the 2026 Under-20 Six Nations Championship. 

Seva Batikora and Kajetan Lewandowski, both studying Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science alongside their Tigers ACE performance programme, were invited to England’s high performance training environment at Pennyhill Park in London — joining 40 of the country’s most promising young players. 

Seva Batikora

A challenging but incredible experience

Seva described his first experience at the England development camps as a major step forward in his rugby journey: “It was a really good experience. It was challenging, with high quality games and training. Being around that level of talent pushes you to improve.” 

Having only taken up rugby a few years ago, Seva credits the Tigers ACE pathway and the college environment for accelerating his development: “The rugby partnership is what sold the college to me. Everyone who I live with in the on-site accommodation at college has the same interests - all of the rugby lads train together, live together, and push each other to develop in our sport.” 

Seva hopes to progress through the next England selection camp this year, with the aim of securing a place in the England squad for the Under-20 Six Nations in April. 

“My plan is to take every opportunity to become a professional player, and to continue my education alongside that where possible.” 

He also highlighted how closely the academic course links to performance: 

“The course content relates so well to rugby — it helps me understand what’s happening in my body and how to improve.” 

Kajetan Lewandowski

The best part is meeting people who share your passion

Kajetan also impressed at the England selection camps and says the experience has strengthened his ambition to play professionally. When speaking about his experience, Kajetan said: “I loved it. It was fun, and I met loads of new people. It’s tough when you’re playing against other brilliant players, but that’s what makes it exciting.” 

For Kajetan, the college experience has been just as important as the rugby: “The best thing about college is the friends I’ve made and living with people who have the same passion and direction.” 

While his ultimate goal is to become a professional rugby player, Kajetan is already thinking ahead: 

“My back-up plan is to become a physiotherapist as I’m really interested in sports rehabilitation and massage.” 

A pathway built for progression 

The Leicester Tigers programme at Loughborough College Group includes both an elite ACE pathway and a Development pathway, both of which combine elite level rugby coaching with academic study, providing direct pathways into professional rugby environments, higher education, and a wide range of careers within the Sports sector and beyond. 

Both students say the structure, support, and competitive environment have been key to their rapid development and success within the sport.